Tony Bridwell, EdD, MBA

In "The Follower Effect," Dr. Tony Bridwell masterfully flips the traditional script on leadership, offering a compelling narrative about the profound impact of followership. The story centers around a high-powered CEO whose cutthroat approach to business has led him to the pinnacle of success yet left him grappling with the void of unfulfilled personal connections and embattled company culture. When faced with an ultimatum, the CEO embarks on an unexpected journey back to the fundamentals of… Show more

In "The Follower Effect," Dr. Tony Bridwell masterfully flips the traditional script on leadership, offering a compelling narrative about the profound impact of followership. The story centers around a high-powered CEO whose cutthroat approach to business has led him to the pinnacle of success yet left him grappling with the void of unfulfilled personal connections and embattled company culture. When faced with an ultimatum, the CEO embarks on an unexpected journey back to the fundamentals of leadership, guided by his former mentor.



The transformative journey unfolds in corporate boardrooms and academic lecture halls, revealing the inseparable duality of leading and following. Bridwell deftly explores themes of resilience, emotional intelligence, and the often-overlooked power of humility in leadership. Through engaging storytelling and insightful reflections, "The Follower Effect" challenges readers to reconsider their notions of influence and success, illustrating how true power is often found in the act of following.



This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, foster a positive organizational culture, and understand the vital role of followership in achieving collective success. Show less

Erin, a young technology executive, is burned out and discouraged in her management role. Facing a decision to confront her CEO and resign, she encounters a woman named Leah whose wisdom helps guide her choices. An uncommon mentorship develops as Leah challenges Erin to write a new story. Leah's insights into leadership and followership are fueled by her former relationship with a professor whose enduring lessons about the power of story are passed on to Erin. Challenged to recognize and… Show more

Erin, a young technology executive, is burned out and discouraged in her management role. Facing a decision to confront her CEO and resign, she encounters a woman named Leah whose wisdom helps guide her choices. An uncommon mentorship develops as Leah challenges Erin to write a new story. Leah's insights into leadership and followership are fueled by her former relationship with a professor whose enduring lessons about the power of story are passed on to Erin. Challenged to recognize and overcome toxic work environments, Erin confronts her own abilities to change her mindset through personal responsibility, forgiveness, and ultimately, hope. The Do Over is an enduring tale of hope and healing for employers and employees facing unprecedented challenges in the workplace. Show less

Leah, the newly promoted manager at Blaise International, faces a common challenge: how to turn slow sales and uninterested employees into a booming enterprise. Uniting her team and avoiding employee layoffs seem impossible. Until she meets the Professor, Their weekly lessons on the power of story help Leah turn her employees and leadership team from unmotivated individuals into a community with a common goal. Alongside Leah, learn the three ways to experience story and how to idenitify a… Show more

Leah, the newly promoted manager at Blaise International, faces a common challenge: how to turn slow sales and uninterested employees into a booming enterprise. Uniting her team and avoiding employee layoffs seem impossible. Until she meets the Professor, Their weekly lessons on the power of story help Leah turn her employees and leadership team from unmotivated individuals into a community with a common goal. Alongside Leah, learn the three ways to experience story and how to idenitify a misaligned story. The Professor teaches that the way we present ourselves through verbal and nonverbal cues -- employee recognition, team meeting behaviors, and identifying employee burnout -- impacts not only our own path, but also the paths of others. Saturday Morning Tea is a powerful tale of leadership and ambition that proves how story has the power to change everything. Show less

At the heart of this leadership story is the central idea that one's ability to impact others is directly related to his or her ability to lead from a place of authenticity.Sara Davis, the Chief of Staff for powerful Congresswoman Clara Becker, has come to a crossroads in her life. When Clara Becker suddenly is gone, Sara must decide what to do next. When she discovers Clara’s video diary, Sara begins to realize she has the power within her to change the world. Sara’s journey, and the wisdom… Show more

At the heart of this leadership story is the central idea that one's ability to impact others is directly related to his or her ability to lead from a place of authenticity.Sara Davis, the Chief of Staff for powerful Congresswoman Clara Becker, has come to a crossroads in her life. When Clara Becker suddenly is gone, Sara must decide what to do next. When she discovers Clara’s video diary, Sara begins to realize she has the power within her to change the world. Sara’s journey, and the wisdom she uncovers along the way, is an inspiring story for everyone. Inside each of us is the ability to be a changemaker. We simply have to dare to step into the arena. Show less

When journalism prodigy Carson Stewart’s life comes crashing down in an ethics scandal, he sets out to rebuild his reputation in a desperate act that tests his journalistic integrity. Accepting a freelance job, Carson wields his cynical pen to break a story featuring Clara Becker, a popular U.S. representative. His course is interrupted, however, when he meets an attractive and cunning congressional aid who is not afraid to shed light on the condition of Carson’s integrity and purpose… Show more

When journalism prodigy Carson Stewart’s life comes crashing down in an ethics scandal, he sets out to rebuild his reputation in a desperate act that tests his journalistic integrity. Accepting a freelance job, Carson wields his cynical pen to break a story featuring Clara Becker, a popular U.S. representative. His course is interrupted, however, when he meets an attractive and cunning congressional aid who is not afraid to shed light on the condition of Carson’s integrity and purpose. Entangled in deception, Carson finds counsel from his only friend and mentor, Joe - a well-read, yet mysterious bartender. Joe’s Place provides the solid foundation where an unsteady Carson finds footing. With his situation spiraling to rock bottom, it is this unlikely mentor and the scorned congresswoman who provide Carson a way out, if he will accept it. Carson is presented with the “3 Life Choices,” which ultimately force his pen to consider rewriting more than his article. The Newsmaker is a fable about leadership choices, and the value of mentors whose guidance directs the wayward to good places. It is also a story about unconditional love, and the power to change life’s direction for a greater purpose. Show less

Follow these two practices to simplify your leadership style, stop confusing employees, and increase your ability to positively influence followers.

At the heart of this leadership story is the central idea that success—where purpose, talents, and resources come together to meet the needs of others—cannot be achieved in isolation.

In The Kingmaker, Kyle Ellis, the CEO of powerhouse PR firm Ellis International, is known in an elite circle of people as the Kingmaker. Unlike others in his field, Kyle has the ability to unlock the true potential within his clients while guiding them to the highest levels of power in the… Show more

At the heart of this leadership story is the central idea that success—where purpose, talents, and resources come together to meet the needs of others—cannot be achieved in isolation.

In The Kingmaker, Kyle Ellis, the CEO of powerhouse PR firm Ellis International, is known in an elite circle of people as the Kingmaker. Unlike others in his field, Kyle has the ability to unlock the true potential within his clients while guiding them to the highest levels of power in the world.

After years of masterfully engineering careers to the height of success, Kyle suddenly finds that an alarming rate of his “Kings,” as they are known within his close network, are falling from power. Over the course of only a few short weeks, two of Kyle’s most high-profile clients have collapsed into trouble. Kyle is forced to step in to play damage control not only to save their careers but, in one case, their very life.

With longtime friend and driver Parker McIntosh offering keen insights into the motivations of people in their circle, the two form a perfect pairing to master the strategic chessboard of business and politics.
Show less

A conversation starter, an approachable guide—in fable form—for mentors both deliberate and unintentional, The Difference Maker looks at the godly principles of true success, mentorship, leadership, courage, and transformation. The truths are powerful and applicable, in life and in faith, for everyone who reads them. Learn how to lead others while you follow The One.